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Tigers have lost their last three in the Premiership and urgently need to turn around that form, which is easier said than done given the strength of the Premiership this season.

That might be good for the game as a whole - but it does not help Leicester get clear of the problems they currently face.

"Apart from Exeter and Sarries at the moment, who have got a bit of a jump on everybody, the Premiership is strong," Thompson said.

"Bristol have come up and everyone said they will go straight back down, or Worcester are going down but both those teams look outstanding at the moment.

"Both those teams beat us and looked good. They have good structures, have got good coaches in and have got good players. It is tough we have to work hard to get out of it. Everyone can beat everybody else, it just goes to show how hard it is."

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He added: "It is such a strange league this year. We have only won three games and we are still only two wins off fourth.

"Apart from the top two everybody is relatively close. All we can focus on is us and making sure we pick up form at the right time and whoever comes against us realises they are playing against a strong Leicester side now."